Asia · Countryside near Tokyo, Japan · G036

Bamboo Shoot

City families shed valuables layer by layer for rice.

Back of Bamboo Shoot: the Takenoko seikatsu (bamboo-shoot living) tradition, how a note would work, and the traits of Noun #21 — Back · the tradition

Security Edition v2

The same note set like a banknote: full engraved portrait of Noun #21, guilloche, watermark, thread, foil stripe and microtext, all printed art. What's on it

Security Edition front of Bamboo Shoot: a line-engraved portrait of the full actual Noun #21 in a guilloche oval beside a watermark window, thread and holographic-look stripe — Security Edition · front

Security Edition back of Bamboo Shoot: a color medallion of Noun #21 in a guilloche rosette, with the note's story — Security Edition · back

v2 front SVG ↓ v2 back SVG ↓

The tradition · 1945–late 1940s

Takenoko seikatsu (bamboo-shoot living)

In Japan's food shortages after 1945, city dwellers traded kimono and valuables to farmers for rice; it was called takenoko seikatsu, 'bamboo-shoot living', like a shoot shedding its sheaths.

Source: Occupied Japan 1945–1952: Gender, Class, Race (University of Maryland MITH archive) ↗

How a note would work

Layers are earned by bringing clothing or household goods to a community exchange and spent on food from local growers. They are never bought or cashed out.

Design concept inspired by this tradition, not issued by or for the people who keep it. Not legal tender, not for sale, no cash value, no redemption and no investment rights.

Front SVG ↓ Back SVG ↓ Machine edition

PlaceCountryside near Tokyo, Japan
Era1945–late 1940s
RegionAsia
UnitLayer · Layers
Face value3 Layers
SerialGB-G036-N0021
NounActual Noun #21 ↗
Why this NounA folding fan stands in for the kimono and household treasures families gave up one layer at a time.
Headfan
Glasseship rose
Bodyredpinkish
Accessorybling mask
Seedbg 0 · body 24 · acc 12 · head 80 · glasses 0